Cosmetic article

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic article ( 1 ) for application to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, including:—at least one element ( 2 ) to be applied,—at least one adhesive layer ( 5 ) which is at least partially in contact with the element ( 2 ) to be applied, this adhesive layer ( 5 ) including at least one water-resistant adhesive material, and—at least one layer ( 6 ) for protecting the adhesive layer ( 5 ), externally covering same and including at least one water-soluble polymer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic article to be applied to human keratinous materials, namely the eyelids, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and also to the production of such an article and to the application thereof to these keratinousmaterials. The invention relates, more particularly but not exclusively, to an article including one or more false eyelashes to be applied to the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the eyelid, or a shell, a strip or a patch to be applied to the eyelid.

PRIOR ART

In general, to apply false eyelashes or eyelash extensions, the person has, on the one hand, false eyelashes and, on the other hand, a bottle of special glue, which may be in the same package. In a first stage, he or she places the glue on the false eyelashes. Some glues contain solvents with an unpleasant odour: this is the case, for example, for the glue known under the trade name Ardell Lashtite Clear Adhesive. Next, he or she waits until this deposit of glue has at least partially dried. Finally, he or she sticks the false eyelashes to the root of the eyelashes, or even to the eyelid. This is the case, for example, for the article and the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,833,007. This application is intricate or even difficult since the spreading of the glue on the false eyelashes is not always uniform, which may result in unsightly surpluses of glue or, on the contrary, absences of glue which will penalize the hold of the false eyelashes. Furthermore, this application is long since it requires partial drying of the glue. Finally, it obliges the use of two articles, namely the glue and the false eyelashes.

Presized false eyelashes are also known, in the form of whole tufts or fringes, which are held on a voluminous plastic support or a support in silicone film form. Such supports are difficult to recycle, they are for a single use and/or are relatively expensive. Furthermore, since the surface of the false eyelashes is tacky, the false eyelashes have a tendency to catch the surrounding dust: rigorous conditions of cleanliness and handling of the false eyelashes are thus necessary for the use of such presized false eyelashes and for their storage. Such articles are described in WO 2012/026315 or JP 2008/308806. Self-adhesive eyeliners, patches or shells which function on the same principle and have the same drawbacks are also known.

There is a need for false eyelashes, shells or patches for the eyelid which are easy to use and to apply, and practical to store.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION Cosmetic Article

The present invention is directed toward meeting this need and thus concerns, according to a first of its aspects, a cosmetic article for application to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, including:

-   -   at least one element to be applied,     -   at least one adhesive layer which is at least partially in         contact with the element to be applied, this adhesive layer         including at least one water-resistant adhesive material, and     -   at least one layer for protecting the adhesive layer, externally         covering same and including at least one water-soluble polymer.

The protective layer may be at least partially removed by wetting it, preferably with water or an aqueous solution, which brings about the at least partial dissolution of the water-soluble polymer. The protective layer then ceases to externally cover the adhesive layer at least in places, and said layer can come into contact with the surface onto which it is desired to bond the element to be applied.

The term “water-resistant adhesive material” should be understood as meaning that the adhesive material can be brought into contact with water and not dissolve in water to any great extent during the wetting of the protective layer, or even not dissolve at all. If the adhesive material becomes dissolved on contact with water, its dissolution is less rapid than that of the protective layer, so as to enable the removal of same while at the same time leaving a sufficient amount of adhesive on the element to obtain the desired bonding. Preferably, the adhesive material maintains its cohesion during the wetting of the protective layer, and conserves its adhesive properties after possible evaporation of the water present on its surface, used to remove the protective layer.

By means of the invention, a cosmetic article presized with the adhesive layer, but which is not tacky before use by virtue of the protective layer, is provided. The article according to the invention does not require a removable non-stick protective film, such as a silicone foil, to protect the adhesive layer, and is not sensitive to dust during its handling by virtue of the presence of the protective layer which is not tacky. The protective layer is located on the adhesive layer opposite the element to be applied and it is preferably provided so as not to come in contact therewith. Thus, according to the invention, a surface, which may be an interior surface, of the element to be applied is at least partially coated with the adhesive layer, which is itself coated with the protective layer.

The element to be applied may include a false eyelash or a tuft of false eyelashes, the adhesive layer coated with the protective layer being located at one end of the false eyelash or of the tuft of false eyelashes. As a variant, the element to be applied includes a false eyelash fringe. In the latter case, the element to be applied preferably includes a connecting strip and the false eyelashes are then fixed, via one end, to the connecting strip, said connecting strip being at least partially covered with the adhesive layer. The false eyelashes may also be connected together by a knitted or woven connecting strip, the term “strip” covering one or more yarns for connecting between the eyelashes, this or these connecting yarns possibly being monolithic with the eyelashes, where appropriate.

In other embodiments, the element to be applied is intended to be deposited on the eyelid. In this case, the element to be applied may include a shell, a patch or a strip for the eyelid. The shell preferably has a concave application surface, matching the curvature of the eyelid. The patch or the strip have dimensions suitable for attachment to the eyelid or the eyebrows.

The water-resistant adhesive material is preferably a water-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) chosen from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, notably copolymers of acrylate and methacrylate, pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based on styrene copolymers, for instance styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers.

The adhesive layer on the support may be deposited by coating, spraying or dipping onto the support during manufacture. Said adhesive layer may also be activated by a source of heat, a source of light, for instance UV, by depositing a two-component mixture which crosslinks on the support to form a PSA.

Said at least one polymer of the protective layer is preferably a water-soluble hydrophilic polymer. The protective layer may include a hydrophilic polymer, in dry form. The protective layer may be in the form of a continuous film. The protective layer is advantageously different from a layer of water-soluble powder. In particular, the coating layer advantageously forms a coating, a uniform covering on the adhesive layer, notably in contrast with a powder. The protective layer may thus be non-pulverulent, preferably of substantially constant thickness, and preferably in the form of a flexible, monolithic, transparent film of uniform composition, continuously covering the adhesive layer.

The water-soluble polymer is preferably chosen such that its glass transition temperature T_(g) is greater than or equal to 30° C., better still greater than or equal to 60° C., or even greater than or equal to 80° C.

Said at least one polymer of the protective layer is notably chosen from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), also known as polyvidones or povidones, preferably nonionic PVPs, polysaccharides, notably hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) or gum arabic, and polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), notably polyvinyl alcohol.

The protective layer may also contain plasticizers to give this protective layer suppleness: mention may be made of glycerol, glycols, acid esters, notably carboxylic acid esters, citrates, benzoates and/or isosorbide diesters.

The protective layer advantageously entirely covers the adhesive layer before use of the article, uniformly. The protective adhesive layers are thus superposed.

The protective layer may have a thickness of between 10 μm and 1000 μm.

The protective layer may be deposited by coating, spraying or dipping onto the adhesive layer during manufacture thereof.

Packaging Assembly

A subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, in conjunction with the foregoing, is also a packaging assembly including at least one cosmetic article, or even a plurality of cosmetic articles as defined above, and a packaging for containing same.

One advantage of the invention is that of being able to stack the articles in the packaging without the need for an interleaving support, for example. In other words, the protective layer of one of the articles may come directly into contact with another article. The packaging may thus be compact and generate less waste.

Process for Manufacturing a Cosmetic Article

According to another of its aspects, a subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a cosmetic article as defined above, from an element to be applied, including the following steps:

-   -   depositing the adhesive layer onto at least a part of the         element to be applied,     -   where appropriate, drying the adhesive layer,     -   at least partially, preferably totally, covering this adhesive         layer with the protective layer, preferably in a fluid state,     -   where appropriate, drying the protective layer.

The term “fluid state” means that the protective layer in this state flows under its own weight, as opposed to a solid state.

The process may include the preliminary step of preparing the element to be applied.

The protective layer may be at least partially removed by wetting it, preferably with water, which brings about the at least partial dissolution of the water-soluble polymer. The protective layer then ceases to externally cover the adhesive layer at least in places, and said layer can come into contact with the surface onto which it is desired to bond the element to be applied.

Process for Applying a Cosmetic Article to the Eyelid, the Eyelashes and/or the Eyebrows

According to another of its aspects, a subject of the invention is also a process for applying a cosmetic article as defined above to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, including the following steps:

(a)placing at least the protective layer of the cosmetic article in contact with water, until said protective layer has at least partially, or even totally, dissolved,

(b)applying the article to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows by placing the adhesive layer in contact with the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

When the article is placed in contact with water, the protective layer disappears sufficiently for the surface to become adhesive on account of the adhesive material of the adhesive layer.

By means of the invention, it is not necessary to place glue onto the eyelashes or the eyelids or anywhere else, for the application of the article. It suffices to dip the article or a part of the article including the protective layer in water, before application, in order to dissolve the protective layer and thus to reveal the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer, and then to apply the article to the intended area. There may be a waiting time after dipping and before application, for example for draining the article.

The duration of step (a) of placing the protective layer in contact with water, preferably at a temperature of between 10° C. and 40° C., is preferably between 10 seconds and 2 minutes approximately, preferably between 30 seconds and 1 minute. This is a quite short duration, when compared with the time to wait for the glue to dry in the devices of the prior art, which means that the implementation of the application process is relatively rapid for the user.

Adhesive Layer

The adhesive layer comprises or is constituted of a water-resistant adhesive material.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “material” means a polymer or a polymeric system that may comprise one or more organic polymers of different nature. This adhesive material may be in the form of a polymer solution or a dispersion of polymer particles in a solvent. This adhesive material may also contain a plasticizer, such as those chosen from acid esters, notably carboxylic acid esters, citrates, benzoates, adipates, carbonates and/or isosorbide diesters. This adhesive material must have a certain bonding power defined by its viscoelastic properties.

The adhesive materials according to the invention may be chosen from adhesives of “Pressure Sensitive Adhesive” type, for instance those cited in the “Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology”, 3rd edition, D. Satas.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are systems with physical curing characterized by permanent adhesiveness. Bonding takes place by applying pressure to the adhesive layer. The greater the pressure applied, the better the adhesion. In addition to the excellent initial adhesion, pressure-sensitive adhesives also offer good adhesion to surfaces that are difficult to bond. They also facilitate bonds with good shear strength and peel strength.

The pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) used in the context of the invention are water-resistant.

The adhesive nature of an organic polymer is generally associated with its glass transition temperature. A necessary but insufficient condition for a polymer to be adhesive is that it must have a glass transition temperature (T_(g)) that is significantly below room temperature, i.e. below a temperature equal to 25° C.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are characterized by a glass transition temperature T_(g) below −20° C.

The glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of the polymers may be measured by differential calorimetric analysis (Differential Scanning calorimetry, DSC) under the following conditions:

To measure the glass transition temperature, a film about 150 mm thick of test polymer is prepared by depositing an aqueous solution or dispersion of the polymer in a circular Teflon die 40 mm in diameter and leaving the deposit to dry. The film is dried in an oven at a temperature of about 23° C. under a relative humidity of 45%, until the weight no longer changes. About 5 to 15 mg of the film are taken up and placed in a crucible, which is then introduced into the analyser. The thermal analyser is a DSC-2920® model from the company TA Instruments. The initial and final temperatures of the temperature sweep are chosen so as to surround the desired glass transition temperature. The temperature sweep is performed at a rate of 10° C./minute.

This analysis is performed according to the standard ASTM D 3418-97 apart from the above changes.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive materials may be chosen from acrylic polymers, notably copolymers of acrylate and methacrylate, pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based on styrene copolymers, for example such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers.

They may also be urethane polymers, polyurethanes, silicones, such as Bio-PSAs, ethylene/vinyl acetate polymers, block copolymers based on styrene or natural rubbers, chloroprene, butadiene, isoprene, neoprene or the like.

As non-limiting examples of pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubbery polymers, mention may notably be made of natural rubber (poly(cis-1,4-isoprene)), methyl methacrylate-isoprene graft copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, butyl rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene block copolymers, polybutadiene, ethylene-butylene block copolymers and polychloroprene.

Among the pressure-sensitive adhesives comprising polar acrylic polymers, mention may be made of block or statistical copolymers based on acrylic acid, alkyl acrylates and alkyl methacrylates, and also the copolymers of these acrylics with ethylene and vinyl acetate.

As other pressure-sensitive adhesives, mention may be made of copolymers of butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate and acrylic acid, these copolymers being available commercially, for example under the brand name Roderm® 560 (Rohm and Haas).

An example of a pressure-sensitive adhesive that may be suitable for use is poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate), for example the product available commercially under the brand name Geltac® 100G (from the company Advanced Polymer International), as an aqueous dispersion containing 40% solids of 15 micron adhesive acrylic microspheres.

Examples of acrylic copolymers that may be suitable for use are available commercially under the brand names Acronal® V210 (BASF), Mowilith® LDM 7255, Revacryl® 491 (Clariant) and Flexbond® 165 (Air Products).

Examples of polyurethane-based adhesives that may be suitable for use are available under the brand names Carbotac™ 2897 (Lubrizol) and Vylon UR® 6100 (Toyobo Vylon).

In examples, use is made of:

-   -   the adhesive Pros-Aide (acrylic latex) Cream Blend® 331         Adhesive,     -   the commercial glue Duo Verte®,     -   the latex Acudyne® 5800P from Dow Chemical,     -   the latex Daitosol® 5500GM from Daito Kasei Kogyo.

The PSA-based adhesive layer may be obtained by drying acrylic polymer latices having very low T_(g) values, for instance the acrylic polymers Roderm® 560, Acudyne® 5800P from Dow Chemical or Daitosol® 5500GM from Daito Kasei Kogyo, or by evaporation of anhydrous solvent from an isoprene-styrene block polymer. Mention may also be made of the following commercial references: Jowatherm® hot-melt PSA, Jowat-Toptherm® hot-melt PSA.

Protective Layer

The protective layer includes at least one water-soluble hydrophilic polymer. It is preferably obtained by depositing, as a superposition, onto the adhesive layer, and by drying an aqueous solution containing a hydrophilic polymer. The coating layer advantageously forms a coating, a uniform covering on the adhesive layer, notably in contrast with a powder.

Said at least one hydrophilic polymer of the protective layer may be chosen from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), also known as polyvidones or povidones, polysaccharides, and polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), and preferably PVPs or PVAs.

The hydrophilic polymer may be chosen from polyvinylpyrrolidones. The polyvinylpyrrolidones may be chosen from vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers or copolymers.

Among the homopolymers, mention may be made of polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP) of different molecular weights, the weight-average molecular mass of said homopolymer being measured by light scattering. More particularly, the polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP) are chosen from polyvinylpyrrolidones with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 2000 daltons to 3 000 000 daltons, more particularly with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 30 000 daltons to 2 000 000 daltons. Mention may be made in particular of polyvinylpyrrolidones with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 40 000 daltons to 80 000 daltons, and polyvinylpyrrolidones with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 900 000 daltons to 1 500 000 daltons.

Examples of polyvinylpyrrolidones that may be mentioned include the products available under the trade names PVP K® 30 L or PVP K® 90 from the company ISP.

According to the invention, the term “vinylpyrrolidone copolymers” means both polymers resulting from the polymerization of vinylpyrrolidone with only one type of monomer and those resulting from the polymerization of vinylpyrrolidone with several types of monomers, for example with two types of monomers leading to the production of a terpolymer.

Examples that may be mentioned include the copolymers commercially available under the brand name Luviskol® (PVP and PVP/VA) from the company BASF and under the names PVP-K® or PVP-NA® from the company ISP.

An example of a polyvinylpyrrolidone that will preferably be chosen is a nonionic PVP.

The hydrophilic polymer may be chosen from polysaccharides. In general, the compounds of this type that may be used in the present invention are chosen from those described especially in Kirk-Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, 1982, volume 3, pages 896-900, and volume 15, pages 439-458, in Polymers in Nature by E. A. MacGregor and C. T. Greenwood, published by John Wiley & Sons, Chapter 6, pages 240-328, 1980, in the book by Robert L. Davidson entitled Handbook of Water-Soluble Gums and Resins published by McGraw Hill Book Company (1980) and in Industrial Gums—Polysaccharides and their Derivatives, edited by Roy L. Whistler, Second Edition, published by Academic Press Inc.

These polysaccharides may be chemically modified, notably with urea or urethane groups or by hydrolysis, oxidation, esterification, etherification or alkylation reaction, or by several of these modifications.

Preferably, these polysaccharides are nonionic.

The polysaccharides that are suitable for use in the invention may most particularly be homopolysaccharides such as fructans, glucans, galactans and mannans or heteropolysaccharides such as hemicellulose.

The polysaccharides that are suitable for use in the invention may also be chosen from higher plant polysaccharides such as homogeneous polysaccharides, in particular cellulose-based compounds and derivatives thereof.

According to the invention, the term “cellulose-based compound” means any polysaccharide compound bearing in its structure linear sequences of anhydroglucopyranose (AGU) residues linked together via β(1,4) glycoside bonds. The repeating unit is the cellobiose dimer. The AGUs are in chair conformation and bear 3 hydroxyl functions: 2 secondary alcohols (in position 2 and 3) and a primary alcohol (in position 6). The polymers thus formed combine together via intermolecular bonds of hydrogen bond type, thus giving the cellulose a fibrillar structure (about 1500 molecules per fibre).

The degree of polymerization differs enormously depending on the origin of the cellulose; its value may range from a few hundred to several tens of thousands.

Cellulose has the following chemical structure:

The hydroxyl groups of cellulose may react partially or totally with various chemical reagents to give cellulose derivatives having intrinsic properties. Among these derivatives, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters and cellulose ester ethers are distinguished. Thus, the hydrophilic polymer is preferably chosen from cellulose ethers, cellulose esters and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the hydrophilic polymer (6) is a hydroxyalkylcellulose in particular chosen from hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcelluloses and hydroxypropylcelluloses; and/or a hydroxyalkylalkylcellulose mixed cellulose in particular chosen from hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylmethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylethylcelluloses, hydroxybutylmethylcelluloses and cetylhydroxyethylcelluloses. Such compounds are notably commercially available under the names Klucel® (hydroxypropylcellulose), Polysurf® and Natrosol® CS (cetylhydroxyethylcellulose) sold by the company Ashland and also Cellosize® (hydroxyethylcellulose) sold by the company Dow Chemicals.

The hydrophilic polymer may be chosen from polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), and in particular polyvinyl alcohol will be chosen.

The polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) are notably chosen from PVAs with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 10 000 daltons to 200 000 daltons, more particularly with a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 100 000 daltons to 200 000 daltons.

The polyvinyl alcohols according to the invention may be polymers with different degrees of hydrolysis and/or different viscosities. Use may be made in particular of polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of hydrolysis ranging from 74% to 99%.

As polyvinyl alcohol, an example that may be mentioned is the product available under the trade name Celvol 205 PV Alcohol® from the company Sekisui Speciality Chemicals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents in side view an example of a cosmetic article in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of detail II of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 represents in block form an example of a process for producing the article of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 represents in block form an example of a process for applying the article of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 schematically represents the article of FIG. 1 after performing a step of the process of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 schematically represents the application of the article of FIG. 1 after performing another step of the process of FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 schematically represents an overview example according to the invention including a plurality of articles such as the article of FIG. 1,

FIG. 8 schematically represents in side view another example of a cosmetic article according to the invention,

FIG. 9 schematically represents in top view another example of a cosmetic article according to the invention,

FIG. 10 schematically represents in side view the article of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 schematically represents in front view another example of a cosmetic article according to the invention,

FIG. 12 schematically represents in side view the article of FIG. 11, and

FIG. 13 schematically represents in front view another example of a cosmetic article according to the invention applied to the eyelid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cosmetic article 1 according to the invention. The article 1 includes an element 2 to be applied comprising in this example a plurality of false eyelashes 3 grouped together in a tuft. At one end 4 of the false eyelashes 3, the article 1 includes an adhesive layer 5 including a water-insoluble adhesive material consisting in this example of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example an acrylic polymer known under the trade name Roderm® 560. The adhesive layer 5 is entirely covered with a protective layer 6, as may be seen in greater detail in FIG. 2. The protective layer 6 includes a water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer, for example a polysaccharide such as gum arabic.

The adhesive layer 5 can enable the false eyelashes 3 to be held at the end 4 to form the tuft. As a variant, an additional attachment or adhesive enables the false eyelashes 3 to be knotted or bonded to the end 4 so as to form the tuft of false eyelashes 3, independently of the adhesive layer 5.

FIG. 3 illustrates the process for manufacturing the cosmetic article 1 of FIG. 1. This process includes a step 10 consisting in depositing the adhesive layer 5 onto at least a part of the element 2 to be applied. The next step 11 consists in drying the adhesive layer 5, for example for a few minutes. Next, in step 12, the adhesive layer 5 is at least partially covered, preferably entirely covered as in the illustrated example, with the protective layer 6 which is then in a fluid state. Finally, in step 13, the protective layer 6 is dried.

The cosmetic article 1 ready to be used is then obtained. FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of the process for applying the cosmetic article 1 according to the invention. The process includes a first step 14 consisting in placing at least the protective layer 6 of the cosmetic article 1 in contact with water, until this protective layer 6 has at least partially dissolved. The cosmetic article free of the protective layer 6, the latter having been dissolved, is then obtained, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The adhesive layer 5 is then exposed and fully adhesive. This enables, in a step 15, illustrated in FIG. 4, the article 1 to be applied to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows by placing the adhesive layer 5 in contact with the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. As illustrated in FIG. 6, it is a matter in this case of bringing the tuft of false eyelashes 3 up to the eyelid P to make the adhesive layer 5 adhere thereon and/or to the eyelashes C of this person.

FIG. 7 represents an example of an assembly 20 for packaging cosmetic articles 1. This packaging assembly 20 includes a package 21, which is preferably leak tight, notably towards moisture, and a plurality of articles 1 identical to the one which is illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 represents another example of a cosmetic article 1 according to the invention, including in this example an element 2 to be applied formed by a single false eyelash 3, at one end of which has been deposited the adhesive layer 5 coated with the protective layer 6.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another cosmetic article 1 according to the invention. This article 1 includes an element 2 to be applied which is also intended to be deposited on the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the eyelid, the element 2 to be applied including a plurality of false eyelashes 3 arranged in fringe form and a connecting strip 25. The false eyelashes 3 of the fringe are connected, at one end, to the connecting strip 25 forming an arc to match the shape of the root of a person's eyelashes. As may be seen in FIG. 10, the connecting strip 25 is coated on one face 26 with the adhesive layer 5, which is covered with the protective layer 6.

FIGS. 11 and 12 represent another cosmetic article 1 including an element 2 to be applied consisting of a strip to be applied, for example to a person's eyelid, in this case in the manner of an eyeliner. As may be seen in FIG. 12, this article 1 also includes, under the element 2 to be applied, the adhesive layer 5 covered with the protective layer 6.

The article 1 has a three-dimensional shape, as may be seen notably in the example of FIGS. 11 and 12. The invention is particularly advantageous for a complex 3D shape, since it is difficult by hand to deposit glue onto a three-dimensional object.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the element 2 to be applied of the cosmetic article 1 consists of a patch and it is intended to cover, as illustrated, a part of a person's eyelid P, by matching the shape thereof.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Individual False Eyelashes

With individual false eyelashes or false eyelash tufts sold under the brand name Peggy Sage X60, two application methods are tested: a method according to the invention and a comparative method outside the invention.

Comparative Example Outside the Invention

An individual false eyelash or false eyelash tuft is taken up using tweezers. A small amount of Acudyne® 5800P from Dow Chemical is applied thereon. A short waiting time is observed to allow this glue to dry, and this individual false eyelash is then deposited on the eyelash fringe. This operation is repeated about 12 times to have a full, uniform fringe on one eye. This type of makeup process is relatively long and requires the use of a bottle of glue and individual false eyelashes.

Example According to the Invention

A box of individual false eyelashes is provided, the tip at the base of which has been coated with a first adhesive layer of Acudyne® 5800P latex from Dow Chemical. This layer is allowed to dry for 5 minutes and it is then covered with a 10% PVP solution (80% water, 10% ethanol, 10% PVP K30L). This solution makes the tacky side of the adhesive layer disappear. Several individual false eyelashes are prepared in the same manner. The consumer takes up a first false eyelash, which she soaks in water for 30 seconds to 1 minute: the tip of the false eyelash becomes tacky. He or she can then apply this false eyelash. This saves time, it is easier and more practical: no need for two products.

Example 2: False Eyelash Fringes

With false eyelash fringes sold under the brand name Ardell, two application methods are tested: a method according to the invention and a comparative method outside the invention.

Comparative Example Outside the Invention

The consumer must have available false eyelashes and a glue, for example the glue Duo Verte®. He or she applies the glue to the base of the false eyelash fringe and then waits about 5 minutes before depositing the false eyelash fringe at the base of the eyelashes. Applying the glue is intricate, partly because of the very narrow area of the base of the false eyelash and partly due to the fact that the glue applicator is difficult to handle.

Example According to the Invention

The false eyelash fringe is prepared beforehand according to the process of the invention. The base of the false eyelash fringe is coated with an adhesive layer of Acudyne® 5800P latex from Dow Chemical. The latex is left to dry for 10 minutes: the surface of the adhesive layer becomes transparent and very tacky. This glue is then covered with an aqueous solution (90% water, 10% ethanol, 10% PVP K30L) to form the protective layer. Once dry, the protective layer formed by this solution is no longer tacky. The consumer takes up the false eyelash fringe prepared according to the invention. He or she rinses it with cold water, in water, or soaks it in an aqueous solution for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The surface of the adhesive layer then becomes tacky. He or she removes the false eyelash fringe from the water to apply it to her eyelid at the base of the eyelashes. The application according to the invention is much easier and no longer requires the use of a glue product. 

1. Cosmetic article (1) for application to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, including: at least one element (2) to be applied, at least one adhesive layer (5) which is at least partially in contact with the element (2) to be applied, this adhesive layer (5) including at least one water-resistant adhesive material, and at least one layer (6) for protecting the adhesive layer (5), externally covering same and including at least one water-soluble polymer.
 2. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which the element (2) to be applied includes a false eyelash (3) or a tuft of false eyelashes (3), the adhesive layer (5) coated with the protective layer (6) being located at one end of the false eyelash (3) or of the tuft of false eyelashes (3).
 3. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which the element (2) to be applied includes a false eyelash fringe (3) and a connecting strip (25), the false eyelashes (3) being fixed, via one end, to the connecting strip (25), said connecting strip (25) being at least partially covered with the adhesive layer (5).
 4. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which the element (2) to be applied includes a shell, a patch or a strip for the eyelid.
 5. Article (1) according claim 1, in which the water-resistant adhesive material is a water-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, notably copolymers of acrylate and methacrylate, pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based on styrene copolymers.
 6. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which the protective layer (6) includes a hydrophilic polymer, in dry form.
 7. Article (1) according to claim 6, in which the hydrophilic polymer is chosen such that its glass transition temperature T_(g) is greater than or equal to 30° C.
 8. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which said at least one polymer of the protective layer (6) may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), polyvidones, povidones, polysaccharides, and polyvinyl alcohols (PVA).
 9. Article (1) according to claim 1, in which the protective layer (6) entirely covers the adhesive layer (5) before use of the article, uniformly.
 10. Packaging assembly including at least one cosmetic article (1), according to claim 1, and a packaging for containing same.
 11. Process for manufacturing a cosmetic article (1) according to claim 1 from an element (2) to be applied, including the following steps: depositing the adhesive layer (5) onto at least a part of the element (2) to be applied, where appropriate, drying the adhesive layer (5), at least partially, covering this adhesive layer (5) with the protective layer (6), in a fluid state, where appropriate, drying the protective layer (6).
 12. Process for applying to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows a cosmetic article (1) according to claim 1, including the following steps: (a) placing at least the protective layer (6) of the cosmetic article (1) in contact with water, until said protective layer (6) has at least partially dissolved, (b) applying the article to the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows by placing the adhesive layer (5) in contact with the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.
 13. Article (1) according to claim 6, in which the hydrophilic polymer is chosen such that its glass transition temperature T_(g) is greater than or equal to 60° C.
 14. Article (1) according to claim 6, in which the hydrophilic polymer is chosen such that its glass transition temperature T_(g) is greater than or equal to 80° C.
 15. Process according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer (5) is totally covered with the protective layer (6). 